The Call to Awakening

Ten o'clock is curfew at New

Haven, A high class city in ENIX protected by the finest Guardians, The Alchemy

could provide. Their jobs are to keep the residents inside the thick marble

walls and iron gates, follow the king's orders, protect the law and order, keep

all threats out, and capture or destroy anything that caused a threat to them,

but that never stopped me. Every night after roll call, I hop out of bed

quietly, get dressed in a black hoodie and matching leggings, grab my gear, and

sneak out of the old orphanage home. I tip toe through the gardens being on

high alert that I don't draw attention to myself. I made my way to a medium

sized hole in the marble wall, it was a secret kept from the last time we had a

major attack on New Haven which caused a gaping hole in the south part of the

wall that I kept perfectly hidden.

War had risen from when the

Dark Goddesses led by their frightful commander Lilith took over, it's been

years since, and to be honest I don't remember the time before when they

weren't here, I just remember the stories of peace that once was. That's of course

before the dark goddesses took over.

There was Persephone, Medusa, Hecate, Nyx, Kali Ma, and The Morrigan each

ruling over a different part of ENIX. 

Where peace once used to live

is now chaos and darkness. Some regions managed to hold their ground with

magic, weapons, spells, and prayers but that wasn't the case for majority of

the country. 

Many had fallen to the

corruption of the Dark Goddesses. Even some mystical creatures took their sides,

most by force.

 Medusa convinced The Sirens to join her Army,

now they wait at the edge of riverbanks to lure innocent passersby to a very

unpleasant watery grave. The Morrigan had the Changelings, humans one second

ferocious creatures the next. Hecate summoned snake demons, humanoid lizard-men

with a bad attitude problem and their pets the Dire Wolves- six-foot-tall

wolves with four-inch razor sharp teeth. Nyx had blood thirsty creatures of the

night, vampires, who prey upon weary travelers. Kali Ma hypnotized a lava

dragon with the help of some extraterrestrial banshees that came from the deep

abyssal void. Persephone had her Cerberus- the triple headed demon dog that

protected her closely as well as her army of the post-apocalyptic

undead. Then there was Lilith,

with her twenties of hundreds of demons that were her children. 

They used to not be out as bad

but here lately you'll see a hoard of these terrible creatures getting a little

too close to the gates, but The Guardians usually took care of them. The last

attack created a large hole in the South Gate.

I stepped through the wall that

was hidden by tall thick bushes and covered back up the secret exit, spreading

back out the branches. Placing my backpack on my back, I stealthily moved in the darkness as fast as my legs would carry me, making my way to the entrance

of the forest and slipping away into the night, not daring to look back. 

Jumping over a few tree stumps

and ducking under low branches I ran, and I ran hard. The path was illuminated

by thousands of fireflies blinking all around me, I slid around a curve in the

undergrowth, my all-black sneakers catching my balance in the fallen leaves. I continued onward to the handmade bridge, a halfway mark to my destination. 

Taking a step forward towards

the edge of land I glanced down to where it dropped off into the rushing waters

below. The bridge that had separated me from the other side had to be the most

rigid thing I have ever seen. It was already missing a few boards, and the

ropes were worn down from years of use, but I had a schedule to keep, and this

was the fastest way across. Gripping the frayed ripped ropes gently, I pushed

on slowly, taking each step with caution. The waters below roared viciously, an

unusual high tide had taken place tonight and it had caused more swaying on the

bridge than I was comfortable with, but I pushed on. As soon as I got to the

middle, I heard a loud CRACK in the distance. 

Down the river a low hanging

tree had snapped in half from the power of the water hitting up against it and

was now being hauled down to where I stand. My knees buckled and for a split

moment I tensed up and froze in place with disbelief, snapping back to I went

to move my right leg when my foot slipped from up under me causing me to break through a few of the rotted pieces of plank that was my only way to the other side. the ropes twisted and I knew I only have seconds before it couldn't take

the pressure anymore and completely give in. I threw my bag as far across as I

could and pulled myself back up, the water kept splashing up sharply on me

soaking me wet as I hung on for dear life and tried to make it across the rigidity bridge, nearly making it to the end

before the half of the broken tree collided with the bridge.

 The log flipped upwards

into the air and smashed back down into the side of the bridge, taking the rest

of the platform with it. The collision had destroyed what remained of the

connection. Both sides of the bridge split and was now crashing down into the

rushing waves under me, taking me along with it. I clung to the ropes as it

fell and managed to just barely extend my right arm to contact the other side

ground where my backpack was. With all my might I pulled myself up over the

riverbed, belly crawling until I knew for certain I was in safety before

rolling over in complete wipeout. That exhale I let out was definitely

earned. 

" Ahhhhh!! What the actual

FUUUCK!?!" I yelled sitting up now and gasping for air.

How unlucky do you have to be

for something like THAT to happen to you! Goodness, I took a moment the thank the Gods for my safety before returning to reality. How am I supposed to get home now? I thought.

"Oh well, I guess I can

worry about that later," I huffed, then got up and brushed myself off

before putting my bag back on and continuing on my way. I was completely

drenched from the recent string of unfortunate events that had just unfolded

before me. I tried to wring out my clothes as best as I could, but it was no

use. I was soaked, and as the night went on, it only got colder. So, this was a

problem I would have to address sooner rather than later to avoid making this

night even worse. It wasn't too terribly cold, but there was a strong breeze.

The weather tonight was out of the ordinary, but I quickly pushed that thought aside.

A few miles down the overgrown

path, I stumbled upon the ancient treehouse. Its age was unknown, but it had been here for as long as I started coming here. I closed my eyes for a moment and took in the sweet aroma of nearby hyacinths, valley flowers, and untamed grass, letting memories wash over me.

"Ahh! Nothing smells

better." I exhaled with a big smile. THIS is what home was supposed to

feel like. 

 As the wind tousled my

light blue hair, a chill ran down my spine, reminding me of the task at hand.

Gathering some dry sticks, I kindled a small fire at the base foot of the old

tree house. Shedding my outer layers, I left myself in my black boy shorts and

matching sports bra, laying my damp clothes out to dry on a nearby rock. I sat

there for a while, basking in the warmth, and gazing up at the twinkling stars

above. Reaching into my trusty book bag, I retrieved a blunt and a lighter,

Thank the stars that they had survived the chaotic journey unharmed.

Brooke Lester was known for

their annual festivals and magnificent firework shows, it's also where my plug

exports the best quality of hallucinogenic flowers in all of ENIX, well that's

what he tells me anyway.

New Haven doesn't authorize the

usage of plants with hallucinogenic properties, which is why I sneak out each

night after count. I love my home, I do, but I just never felt like I truly belonged there. I placed the end of the blunt in my

mouth and lit it, taking a long drag and exhaled. I stared back up at the stars

as the smoke danced upwards. I was brought to New Haven when I was barely

three. I don't remember my parents, though I think about them from time to

time. New Haven became my home that day forward, Head Lady took me in and was the kindest person I've come to

know. Like a sweet grandmother. I might not be a full-blooded New Haven

resident, but my heart was in it because of her. 

New Haven was a super strict

city ruled by the church. Underneath The King were The Guardians, these godlike

high-ranking soldiers had triple sets of pure white wings and wore blindfolds

over their eyes. They were beautiful and strong. Relying on hearing and

vibrations to hunt down anyone they ruled as "un-pure". They almost

never missed their targets, but somehow, I managed to sneak past them time

after time. The urge to run away was always present, you know? To be free, to

finally be able to live let alone breathe on my own.

I'd think to myself. 

"Just go, they won't even

know you're gone." People never really noticed me anyways, and if they did

it'd be met with judgmental stares, like I wasn't ever good enough. I dealt

with some serious bullying, but I always fought back and stayed because of the

love Head Lady showed all of us orphans. Head Lady had raised us from little young kids, she was always so kind and sweet to us all and if we ever had a problem, she'd help us figure it out but that never stopped the thoughts. Maybe they'd be better off without me, you know? Seems like I'm always getting into trouble somehow, it just finds me, and I want to escape it all. 

A sudden crack of a twig

overhead caught my attention, causing my ear to twitch. Swiftly, I rose to my

feet and scanned the trees for any signs of movement. Could it just be the

treehouse settling in the wind? I approached the ladder leading up to the house, climbing cautiously while keeping my senses sharp, each board creaking behind my weight. 

Reaching the entrance of the

house, I silently pulled myself up and began to explore. I picked up an ancient

metal candlestick holder I had found nearby just in case I needed to swing on

someone or something. After searching for some time, the only other person on

that floor was me and there was no sign of what caused the noise. 

The treehouse, with its spiraling staircase that led to the second floor and vaulted overhead ceilings,

that stood like an ancient masterpiece had once again fallen silent until I

heard soft notes being played above me. I looked over to the staircase, I heard

the melodious strumming of a

guitar, playing the tune of "Hallelujah." Instead of startling me,

the music piqued my curiosity. I started up the staircase, inching closer to

the source of the enchanting melody.

The room was dark upstairs but

in the dim moonlight, I spotted a muscular figure sitting with a propped-up

boot on the side railing of the loft playing the guitar with precision.

Mesmerized, I approached cautiously, listening as the figure began to sing. His

voice was ethereal, drawing me in until I found myself singing along, getting

lost in the tune.

With the final note, he turned

slowly towards me, revealing hazel eyes under shoulder length black dreads that

fell perfectly around his face. His milk chocolate skin made me melt the way

the moon light hugged his features.

"My, my, I think we have a

spy..." he remarked, smirking slowly showing a fang in his perfect smile.

He hopped down and propped his

candy apple red guitar up against the rail. He took a step closer to me, his

black boots hitting softly against the floorboards. I suddenly became aware of

my current state of lack of clothes, and my face flushed red as he approached.

He smirked and asked,

"What's your name, songbird?" With his index finger he brought my

chin up to meet his gaze, he towered over me he was so tall, as I tried

desperately to hide my body with my arms. 

I swallowed hard, feeling a mix

of nervousness and excitement. "Um..." I stammered, trying to find my

voice.

"Don't go all shy on me

now," he said, reaching down to brush my curly blue hair off my shoulder.

His warm hand gently touched my bare skin. He used his sharp thumb nail to

trace along the side of my neck. I couldn't help but tense up, closing my eyes tightly.

As he pulled his hand away and

turned away from me, I could feel the spell he had cast on me breaking. I

shifted nervously and cleared my throat.

"I'm Melody," I

finally managed to say.

He glanced back at me over his

shoulder, a smile playing on his lips.

"Perfect name for a little songbird like you. With vocals like yours, I wouldn't expect anything less," he remarked, leaning against the railing where I first saw him.

I relaxed a bit and took a step

closer, my curiosity going wild, wanting to know who this stunning creature

was.

 "And what about you?" I asked, eager to find out his name. 

He looked at me with a raised brow and serious expression. "Hm?" He muttered a bit confused. 

I repeated my question,

"And your name?"

He rubbed the back of his head.

"You can call me Crow." 

I couldn't help but wonder, Crow? What kind of name is that? It seemed like he could read my thoughts because he nodded and explained.

"I'm a changeling, and I chose the crow as my animal form. I didn't have a birth name, so I adopted this one from my transformations." 

I blurted out, amazed. "You're a changeling?!" I've never met anyone outside New Haven's gates so this excited me more than it probably should have.

He nodded in response then

changed the subject. "I didn't know this spot was already taken before I

landed here to rest." 

I quickly clarified. "Oh

no, I don't live here. I just come here at night for a few hours to unwind is

all." 

He raised an eyebrow and tilted

his head slightly, making me wonder what he was suspicious about.

"Songbird, where exactly

are you from?" He started to question before a sudden gust of wind blew,

and I started to shiver. He noticed and said, "More importantly, where are

your clothes? You're going to get sick dressed like that. Here, take my jacket."

He nonchalantly removed his

black leather jacket, exposing his bare muscular arms. The loose black shirt he

wore underneath flowed gently around his frame in the wind, the moon beams

highlighted every perfectly crafted muscle on his torso. He was built like a

God.

He tossed it over to me with a

confident flick of his wrist. The jacket landed in my arms, I couldn't help but

notice its weight and the size of it. feeling almost engulfed by it as I

slipped it on. It was a rugged weathered piece, the deep black leather worn and aged with stories of its own. The scent of

adventure and mystery clung to it, as if it had traveled through countless realms and seen extraordinary events. I silently took a deep breath in to capture the scent.

As I fastened the belt of the jacket, I finally took a moment to truly see Crow. His presence was captivating, his aura shrouded in an air of enigma. He was geared up head to toe in all black, each piece carefully chosen to reflect his dark and mysterious persona. His combat boots, sturdy and well-worn, spoke of countless journeys taken across treacherous terrains. The straight-legged jet-black jeans hugged his frame, tailored to perfection, their deep black hue accentuating his powerful stride. The fabric whispered secrets of forgotten lands and hidden realms.

His t-shirt, a simple yet striking garment, completed the ensemble. Its jet-black color emphasized the intensity in his gaze, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. The fabric clung loosely to his sculpted physique, hinting at the strength and resilience that lay beneath his mysterious exterior. It was as if the shirt itself was an extension of his persona, a cloak of shadows that concealed both his past and his future.

In that moment, as I stood there, mesmerized by his presence, I couldn't help but feel that his wardrobe reflected his very essence. Dark and mysterious, just like the night sky, Crow was a figure who walked the line between light and darkness, embodying the enigmatic allure of the unknown.

Crow flashed a wicked grin, showing off his fangs. "You look good in my jacket, songbird," his deep voice bellowed over every inch of my body and that smirk was like pure intoxication. I could stare at him forever. I blushed like crazy at his words,

my face as red hot as fire. Who was this guy and why was he so relaxed with me?

"The bridge on the way here collapsed and well it's been kind of a rough start to my night." I laughed nervously. 

"I laid my clothes up to

dry by the fire…oh shit! THE FIRE!" I remembered the flame I left

unattended; I bolted quickly back down the staircase to the unmanned fire I had

created.

 The gust of wind made it spread, and with nothing to help keep it at bay I was a sitting duck as it now had the power to

destroy my hideaway. I tried putting it out. I dug and dumped dirt on it, but

to be honest it wasn't doing much good.

The sound of massive wings

flapped right above my head, startling me. Crow, out of nowhere had sprouted

wings and with one powerful swing, he completely extinguished the fire. It was

like a scene straight out of an action movie! I shielded my eyes from the gust

of wind to protect against flying debris.

He landed right in front of me.

"Hey, songbird, you got to

be more careful. Can't have anything happening to that beautiful face of

yours." He showed me another delicious grin. 

I let out a huge sigh of relief and fell back on the ground, laughing my heart out. Crow flinched and rushed to me concerned. 

"Hey, you alright there?" He

asked me. 

"Man! What a crazy night it's been! Crow, you're a true hero. Thanks for helping me out back there!" I sat up. 

"If you'd like I can show you how to build a self-substantial fire." He spoke. I was still in disbelief and couldn't believe how close we had come to disaster.

 I nodded not wanting to pass up this opportunity. Crow patiently showed me how to build a fail-safe fire and returned my now dried clothes to me. I went back up to the tree house and placed back on my black Hoodie and leggings. I climbed back down and returned to Crow who was sitting back at the campfire poking at it with a stick. I came and sat right beside him. 

As we spent the next few hours

together, we really got to know each other a little better. Turns out we had

a-lot in common, we both listened to any kind of music with a good beat It

turns out and dreamt of exploring more of the world on our own one day. Crow

and his kind are often hunted. Who would do something so heartless?

I couldn't help but feel for him. I mean, he's such a sweet guy. Who would want to go out of their way to harm people like him? So, naturally, I asked him who exactly is after them. He said these hunters have three sets of pure white wings and wore blindfolds. But

that sounds like the Guardians back home in New Haven! My eyes widen slightly with realization, but why would they want to hunt them down? They only attacked those who were deemed unworthy that got too close to the gates. It was a mystery that really got me thinking.

We were standing so close, and

with the night getting colder, his warmth felt amazing. The flickering firelight played across his face, highlighting his features. I couldn't help but notice a scar that ran

across his cheek, just below

his eye. Caught staring, he glanced at me with a curious sidelong glance.

"Hm?" He turned

towards me, his gaze intensifying.

"You've got the stars in your eyes," he said, gently placing his hand on my face.

I felt my heart race as he leaned in closer, his breath mingling with mine. His scent of lavender, spice, sandalwood, and a hint of smoke enveloped us. It was intoxicating.

"Flickers of gold in your

deep blue eyes. I can almost see shooting stars in them. They're mesmerizing." He pulled away, as he did, he looked at me with a mix of curiosity andealization. "Interesting." he murmured.

Confused, I couldn't help but

ask, "What do you mean?"

His expression turned serious

as he replied, "You are the one we've been searching for. Have you ever

heard of the prophecy of ENIX?"

I shook my head, admitting,

"No, all I know is that the Dark Goddesses descended, and chaos ensued. My town keeps us in the dark, only the king and his court know the outside world."

Crow frowned slightly, then pulled out a joint from his T-shirt pocket and lit it, taking a long drag and exhaling, creating a cloud of smoke. 

"I assume you partake?" He grinned and he passed it to me, as I inhaled, a strong cough overcame me. It wasn't like any regular Brook Lester flower. I passed him back the blunt and gasped for a breath,"What is this?" I managed to ask.

With a wink and a smirk, Crow

replied, "The best hallucinogenic flower you'll ever smoke." blowing

a smoke ring around my face with his dreamy lips. I felt the air heat up around

me again as I continued to cough. The world around me lit up in pulsing

color. 

"The prophecy goes like

this,

Two souls, bound by celestial

light,

Blue and white eyes shining so bright.

Together they'll rise, their

courage untold,

One being of silver the other

of gold.

Through trials they'll go,

darkness they'll defy,

With hearts ablaze, they'll

reach the sky.

In unity they'll stand, and

with their powers combined,

They vanquish the dark

goddess's evil, their victory defined.

Embrace the journey, for it is

their fate,

Of stars and of the moon,

heroes so great."

It was like I saw the whole

prophecy illustrated right in-front of me in the smoke from the high I was

surfing through, unnoticed by us both my eyes lit up a bright light blue while

the prophecy was being read to me. 

"Woooow! Yeah, no, that's not me." I sat back and leaned against the base of the tree house.

"The dark goddesses won't stop until they have you, songbird. Deny it all you want you are the starry eyed one, the one of stars. Your powers could help turn ENIX back into what it once was!" His eyes glowed with determination. 

Each Goddess has taking on and

dominated a different major city. Some towns have survived only through their

own defenses. The witches have their coven's power, New Haven with their

guardians and so on. But to simply believe I, Me, Melody alongside someone of the moon could take out these celestial beings was ridiculous. 

"So, you're saying I, Melody, am who these monstrous beings are after?!" I was NOT expecting this explanation at all. No way this was true. 

"They who are born with the stars in your eyes are said to hold ancient powers that can counter act these curses The Undivine has placed on the people of ENIX. Your voice alone could command armies. The Dark Goddesses are here to recruit you into their army to do their bidding. They've set up bases in major cities while their cursed warriors are searching for the starry eyed one. YOU, Songbird you could restore balance to all of ENIX, everything can finally go back to

normal." 

His amber colored eyes sparkled as they stared deeply into mines with the slightest sign of hope.